Hosea 11
11 1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out
of Egypt.
2The more the prophets called them, the more they went
from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven
images.
3Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they
knew not that I healed them.
4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands
of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I
laid food before them.
5They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but
the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return to
me.
6And the sword shall fall upon their cities, and shall consume
their bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
7And
my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to him
that is on high, none at all will exalt him.
8How shall I
give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I
make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is
turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.
9I will not
execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim:
for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not
come in wrath.
10They shall walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a
lion; for he will roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west.
11They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of
the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith
Jehovah.
12Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of
Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the
Holy One.